Appeal for missing East Lancashire homeless man

Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of a homeless man from East Lancashire who has not been seen since last Thursday, 5th December.

James Mitchell, 59, who is originally from Colne, had been living in a tent at the side of Barrowford canal for the past year.

However, police are growing concerned for his welfare after the small tent he lived in alongside the Barrowford locks collapsed during the high winds last week and he has not been seen since.

James is described as being white, slim build and around 5ft 6inches tall. He has collar length dark brown untidy hair, full facial hair with a wrinkled complexion. He was last seen wearing a black cromby style coat, light grey drainpipe trousers and a black bobble hat.

Inspector Graham Lister said: “James has lived a solitary existence for most of his adult life by choice but he regularly helps out the lock keeper with odd jobs and assists barge owners, operating the series of locks on the canal.

“He is well known in the area and a regular sight in the location but has not been seen since lunchtime last Thursday.

“His few belongings remain inside the collapsed tent and although he is fit for his age and used to living rough, it is unusual that he has not been seen by the few people he does have contact with and we are concerned that he has not been seen in nearly a week.

“If anyone has seen James since last week or knows where he could be I would ask people to call Lancashire Police on 101.”

James has previously lived a vagrant lifestyle throughout East Lancashire and may be riding a silver bicycle.